AS VClub and Primeiro D’Agosto: A frustrating elimination in the African Champions League
On Sunday August 27, the Stade des Martyrs was the scene of a crucial match for AS VClub. Opposed to Primeiro D’Agosto of Angola in the second leg of the preliminary round of the African Champions League, the players of the Congolese team absolutely had to recover from their 1-0 deficit in the first leg to hope to progress to the next round. Unfortunately, the miracle didn’t happen and AS VClub had to settle for a 1-1 draw, which eliminated them from the competition.
The fans were there in droves to support their favorite team, but the players on the pitch did not live up to expectations. Imana Lote opened the scoring for VClub in the first half, giving fans a semblance of hope. However, the VClub defense showed feverishness and conceded a goal against play early in the second half, scored by Obed Mayamba, a former VClub player now in the Angolan squad. This goal put the two teams equal and cooled the atmosphere at the Stade des Martyrs.
Subsequently, AS VClub seemed to doubt and multiplied the bad choices and the inaccuracies, facing a well organized defense of Primeiro D’Agosto. The Congolese players failed to find the fault and had to resolve themselves to elimination from the African Champions League. A disappointment for the Dauphins Noirs who thought they could catch up and continue the adventure in the competition.
Now, AS VClub will have to focus on Linafoot, the Congolese championship, to try to win a national title and erase the disappointment of this premature elimination in the African Champions League. The next matches will be crucial for the team and the players will have to remobilize in order to return to their usual level of play.
In conclusion, the elimination of AS VClub in the African Champions League was a real blow for the team and its supporters. Despite an encouraging opener, defensive errors and lack of precision cost VClub dearly. It now remains to bounce back in the league and look to new goals for this season